48. Dashanzi Art District (798 Art Zone)

Housed in 50-year-old decommissioned military facilities, the 798 Art Zone—as it's colloquially known—has since transformed into a place where subversive art thrives and continues to be created. Despite housing many galleries like the Long March Space, there's also plenty of street art to be encountered, much of it riffing on Communist China and Chairman Mao. Consider grabbing a bite at South Silk Road, where you can nibble on experimental dishes made of things like tree bark. You can even pick up a stylish souvenir from art book shop Time Zone 8, and either enjoy a coffee at artist Huang Rui's At Café. Besides the fact that its location is convenient, you're also supporting one of the founders of Chinese Contemporary Art.